False animal facts: Koalas are a type of bear

10 false animal facts most people think are true

Koalas are a type of bear

While the impossibly cute creatures that have inspired many an Australian souvenir may have an ursine appearance, they are surely not bears; they are marsupials. Once born, the baby is carried in the mom’s pouch for about six months. When the infant emerges, it rides on momma koala's back or clings to her belly accompanying her everywhere until it’s a year old. Awwww.